More than two decades after the tragic car crash that claimed the life of Diana, Princess of Wales, one of the first responders at the scene, French firefighter Xavier Gourmelon, has spoken publicly about his experience for the first time. His calm professionalism and compassion during those final moments have added a human dimension to an event that continues to be remembered around the world. The Night of the Paris
Car Crash In the early hours of August 31, 1997, a car carrying Princess Diana, Dodi Fayed, and their driver Henri Paul crashed in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel in Paris, France. According to official French investigations, the vehicle was traveling at high speed when it collided with a pillar inside the underpass. The impact resulted in the immediate deaths of Henri Paul and Dodi Fayed, while Princess Diana and her bodyguard, Trevor Rees-Jones, were critically injured. French emergency services were dispatched within minutes of the crash.
Among the first responders on the scene was firefighter Xavier Gourmelon, who was part of a rescue team stationed nearby. His testimony, shared in later interviews with reputable outlets including The Sun and the BBC, provides a rare and respectful insight into those moments.
